WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS

Psalm 137:1-4

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept,when we remembered Zion. ² We hanged our harps Upon the willows in the midst thereof. ³ For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; And they that wasted us required of usmirth, Saying, Sing us oneof the songs of Zion. ⁴How shall we sing the Lord’s song In a strange land?

Jeremiah 29:9-4

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and dwell in them;plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.

1.    Realize God is in it Somewhere/Somehow

Jer. 29:4

Whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:

2.    Don’t weep over what used to be

Psalm 137:1

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept,when we remembered Zion.

3.    Settle Down

Jer 29:5

Build houses and dwell in them

4.    Think Futuristically

Jer 29:5

Plant Gardens and eat the fruit.

Eccl 11:1

Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days. ² Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth

5.    Prioritize Relationships

Jer. 29:6

Take wives and beget sons and daughters 

6.    Plan for Increase

Jer. 29:6

And take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished.

7.    Seek Peace

Jer. 29:7

And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

  

8.    Don’t Be Deceived

Jer. 29:8-9

For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed ⁹ For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.

9.    Don’t Hang up your Harp

Psalm 137:1

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song And they that wasted us required of us mirth, Saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

10.  Others Expect You to Act Like You’re a Citizen of Zion

Psalm 137:3

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; And they that wasted us required of usmirth, Saying, Sing us oneof the songs of Zion.

11.  Remember There is a Time Limit

Jer. 29:10-11

For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. ¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.